A fireplace assembly

Abstract

A fireplace assembly 101 comprising a fuel bed 104, a fuel bed illumination arrangement (105, fig. 1) and an electronic display device 201 positioned against the fuel bed and which is arranged to disp

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fireplace assembly, more particularly to a fireplace 5 assembly with provision for simulating a lit fire. Background of the Invention Fireplaces designed to simulate the optical effect of combustion of a solid fuel such as coal or wood are known. A known type of simulated flame fireplace utilises an artificial fuel 10 bed, typically designed to imitate coals or logs and associated embers, and a supply of natural gas that when ignited forms flames around the artificial fuel, to create the appearance of solid fuel being burnt Another known type of simulated flame fireplace creates the illusion using electric power, using an artificial fuel bed provided with an illumination arrangement for making the imitation fuel appear hot, and a screen for 15 displaying a visual representation of flames emanating from the artificial fuel bed. Flame simulation and heating functions of an electric fireplace may be selectably operable independently of each other in addition to being operable together. It is desirable to provide improvements in the flame simulation of an electric fireplace. 20 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect there is provided a fireplace assembly, comprising: a fuel bed, an illumination arrangement comprising an illumination device operable to emit light, the illumination arrangement controllable to illuminate the fuel bed, a heat generation 25 arrangement controllable to output heat, and a display arrangement comprising an electronic display device operable to output a visual presentation, the display arrangement controllable to display a video on the electronic display device, wherein the fuel bed is positioned up against the electronic display device, the fireplace assembly further comprises a control arrangement operable to initiate at least a simulation mode that is a fireplace 30 simulation mode during which a fireplace simulation video is shown on the electronic display device, the fireplace simulation video showing supplementary imagery of the fuel bed, and the fuel bed and supplementary imagery of the fuel bed are visually complementary, 04 02 25 whereby an optical illusion of enhanced depth is generated from a visual merging of the fuel bed and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed shown in the fireplace simulation video. The superimposing of a physical portion of the fireplace assembly on a non-physical portion 5 of the fireplace assembly advantageously creates a visually integrated impression. An optical illusion is generated, from the visual merging of the fuel bed and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed shown in the fireplace simulation video, that beneficially produces an enhanced depth / improved three-dimensional effect. 10 A fireplace simulation video may show imagery of flames. This provides for an optical effect to be generated that results in the flames shown in the fireplace simulation video appearing as though they are emanating from within a fuel bed having portions both in front of and behind the displayed flames. 15 Light emitted by the illumination arrangement may have one or more variable properties, which may be intensity (brightness) and / or colour. At least one variable property of light emitted by the illumination arrangement to illuminate the fuel bed may be varied during a fireplace simulation. 20 The fuel bed may have a substantially planar rear face, the electronic display device may have a substantially planar front face and the rear face of the fuel bed and the front face of the electronic display device may each be oriented in the same generally vertical orientation. 25 The fuel bed may comprise at least one translucent replica fuel element, which may be a replica log element or a replica coal element. The illumination device may comprise at least one LED light element, and may comprise 30 one or more of a white LED light element, an RGB LED light element, and an RGBW light element. 04 02 25 The electronic display device may be an LCD screen. The fireplace assembly may comprise a liner arrangement, which may be positioned up against the electronic display device and which may be tapered. 5 A fireplace simulation video may show supplementary imagery of a liner arrangement of the fireplace assembly, with the liner arrangement and supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement being visually complementary. This provides for an optical effect to be generated that contributes both to the optical illusion of three-dimensional / depth 10 enhancement and to the authenticity of the fireplace simulation. The fireplace assembly may comprise a heat generation arrangement that is selectively operable independently of or with a flame simulation, and which may comprise a heat output device located behind a fret of the fireplace assembly. 15 The fireplace assembly may have a 16-inch (approximately 406.4 mm) fire opening. The fireplace assembly may comprise an audio output device controllable to output an audible sound. The audio output device may be a speaker associated with the electronic 20 display device. The fireplace assembly may be provided as a self-contained, mains powered unit. Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out below 25 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 30 Figure I shows a fireplace assembly, in use; Figure 2 is a schematic of the fireplace assembly of Figure I; Figure 3 illustrates key components of a fire; 04 02 25 Figure 4 illustrates a principle utilised in generating an optical effect during a flame simulation produced by the fireplace assembly; Figure 5 is a schematic of the relative positioning of a fuel bed and an electronic display device of the fireplace assembly; 5 Figure 6 illustrates an optical effect generated by the fireplace assembly of Figure I; Figure 7 illustrates an example method of illumination of the fuel bed of the fireplace assembly using an illumination arrangement of the fireplace assembly; Figure 8 and illustrates an alternative example method of illumination of the fuel bed of the fireplace assembly using an illumination arrangement of the fireplace assembly; 10 Figure 9 illustrates further features of the fireplace assembly of Figure I; and Figure 10 illustrates an optional feature of the fireplace assembly of Figure I. Description Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient 15 detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus, systems and / or processes described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and / or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 20 In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 25 The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein 30 are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has” and / or 04 02 25 “having” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 5 A fireplace assembly is disclosed that comprises a fuel bed, an illumination arrangement controllable to illuminate the fuel bed, a display arrangement controllable to display a video on an electronic display device of the display arrangement, the fuel bed positioned up against the electronic display device, and a control arrangement operable to initiate a fireplace simulation mode during which a fireplace simulation video is shown on the electronic display 10 device, the fireplace simulation video showing supplementary imagery of the fuel bed, and optionally also imagery of flames, the fuel bed and supplementary imagery of the fuel bed being visually complementary, whereby to generate, from a visual merging of the fuel bed and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed shown in the fireplace simulation video, an optical illusion of enhanced depth. 15 A fireplace assembly 101 is shown in Figure I. The fireplace assembly 101 comprises a housing, indicated generally at 102, which supports the components of the fireplace assembly 101. The housing 102 may include parts that are replaceable, for example to allow a user to change the appearance of the fireplace assembly. 20 According to this illustrated example, the fireplace assembly 101 comprises a liner arrangement, indicated at 103, a fuel bed 104, and an illumination arrangement, indicated at 105. In this example, the liner arrangement 103 is tapered, with sides that are angled inwardly and rearwardly. 25 The fireplace assembly 101 further comprises a display arrangement, indicated generally at 106, and a control arrangement, indicated generally at 107. According to this illustrated example, the fireplace assembly 101 is provided as a self-30 contained, mains powered unit. A power cable, such as power cable 108, may be provided with a mains socket plug, such as plug 109, to allow for convenient connection to mains power. The fireplace assembly 101 may be configured as an insert, and may therefore be 04 02 25 provided with a frontage, indicated generally at I 10, that is designed to facilitate the securing of the fireplace assembly 101 within a suitable location within a chimney breast, for example. The fireplace assembly 101 may be configured to be surface mounted to a wall, or other suitable support surface, as required using a suitable spacer. 5 According to this illustrated example, the fireplace assembly 101 comprises a canopy I I I and a fret I 12. A schematic of features of the fireplace assembly 101 is shown in Figure 2. 10 The display arrangement 106 comprises an electronic display device 201 operable to output a visual presentation. The display arrangement 106 is controllable to display a video. In an example, the electronic display device 201 is an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. 15 The electronic display device 201 may however be any suitable alternative type. The illumination arrangement 105 comprises an illumination device 202 operable to emit light. The illumination arrangement 105 is controllable to illuminate the fuel bed 104. 20 In an example, the illumination device 202 comprises at least one LED (light-emitting diode) light element The illumination device may comprise at least one white LED light element and / or at least one RGB LED light element and / or at least one RGBW light element. In such an example, the or each LED light element may have any suitable beam angle. In such an example, the or each LED light element may be used with any suitable diffuser, reflector 25 and / or filter to achieve a desirable effect The illumination arrangement may however comprise any suitable alternative type or types of illumination device. In an example, the fuel bed 104 comprises at least one translucent replica fuel element 203, which may replicate a single fuel item or an arrangement of a plurality of fuel items. In a 30 specific example, the fuel bed comprises a plurality of translucent replica fuel elements that together replicate a pile of logs or embers and logs. In an alternative specific example, the fuel bed comprises a replica fuel element that replicates a heap of coal. A replica log 04 02 25 element may replicate one or more logs and likewise a replica coal element may replicate one or more pieces of coal. It is thus to be appreciated that the fuel bed may comprise only one replica fuel element or more than one replica fuel element, and that a replica fuel element may replicate only one fuel item, or more than one fuel items. The fuel bed may 5 however comprise any suitable alternative type or types of replica fuel element. The fuel bed may be interchangeable with another fuel bed, for example to change between logs and coal, or to change to another design such as pebbles. The control arrangement 107 comprises a control circuit 204. The control arrangement 10 107 is operable to initiate at least one fireplace simulation mode, during which light is emitted by the illumination arrangement 105 to illuminate the fuel bed 104 and / or a video is shown on the electronic display device 201. As will be described in further detail below, the fireplace assembly generates an optical 15 effect that is beneficial to the technical design of the fireplace assembly and to the enhancement of the visual perception of the fireplace assembly. In an example, the control circuit 204 comprises a data processor with access to data storage. The data processor and data storage may take any suitable form, and may 20 comprise any suitable componentry for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), microprocessor or microcontroller. In addition to primary storage (internal memory), the fireplace assembly 101 may comprise one or more removable data storage device ports for secondary storage (expandable memory), such as a USB flash drive or a memory card. 25 As shown, the fireplace assembly 101 comprises a heat generation arrangement 205 that is controllable to output heat. The heat generation arrangement 205 may comprise at least one heat output device 206 of any suitable type. The flame simulation means may comprise the heat generation arrangement 205. The heat generation arrangement 205 may be selectively operable independently of the flame simulation. 30 As shown, the fireplace assembly 101 may comprise an audio output arrangement 207 controllable to output an audible sound. The audio output arrangement 207 may comprise 04 02 25 at least one audio output device 208 of any suitable type. An audio output device 208 may be a speaker associated with the electronic display device 201. The flame simulation means may comprise the audio output arrangement. The audio output arrangement may be selectively operable independently of the flame simulation. 5 The fireplace assembly 101 may further comprise other features not specifically mentioned herein. An optical effect generated by the fireplace assembly 101 will now be described with 10 reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figures 3 and 4 are referred to, in particular, with respect to the aspect of a principle utilised in generating the optical effect, and Figures 4 and 5 are referred to, in particular, with respect to the aspect of the application of this principle to create the visual impact of 15 the optical effect. Figure 3 shows the following key components of a fire: fuel 301 (material that is burning), flames 302 (visually detectable effect of the material burning) and a firebox 303 (environment in which the material is burning). 20 Figure 4 shows a wooden branch 401, along with an illustration 402 of how the wooden branch 401 can be presented visually by means of a first portion 401A and a second portion 401 B, one on each side of a dividing plane 402, with the first portion 401A being a “tangible portion” provided by a three-dimensional, physical element and the second portion 40 IB 25 being an “intangible portion” provided by a display on a display device. In Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated generally, by the eye symbol 501, a person viewing the fireplace assembly 101 from a front side F thereof. A line of the sight of the person to a point X behind the electronic display device 201 is indicated by arrow 502. The fuel bed 30 104 is disposed in front of the electronic display device 201 (as also shown in Figure I). Along the line of sight 502, the fuel bed 104 is hence positioned between the viewer and the electronic display device 201. 04 02 25 It can be seen from Figure 5, in particular, that the fuel bed 104 is positioned up against the electronic display device 201. More specifically, the fuel bed 104 has a rear face 503, the electronic display device 201 has a front face 504, and the rear face 503 of the fuel bed 5 104 is located on, or is minimally distanced forward from, the front face 504 of the electronic display device 201. In this illustrated example, the rear face 503 of the fuel bed 104 and the front face 504 of the electronic display device 201 each have a substantially planar profile, and the rear face 503 of the fuel bed 104 and the front face 504 of the electronic display device 201 are each oriented in the same generally vertical orientation. 10 Rear face 503 of the fuel bed 104 may be provided by a peripheral or border region of the rear side of the fuel bed, or by the entire region of the rear side of the fuel bed. It is to be understood that the rear face 503 may comprise a continuous surface or a non-continuous surface. 15 Referring now to Figure 6, an example fireplace simulation mode is illustrated, during which light, indicated A, is emitted to illuminate the fire bed 104 and a video, indicated B, is shown on the electronic display device 201. Preferably, the light A emitted to illuminate the fuel bed 104 has at least one variable 20 property. In a specific example, the intensity (brightness) of the emitted light A is variable. In a specific example, the colour of the emitted light A is variable. In a specific example, the emitted light A has the variable properties of intensity (brightness) and colour. Preferably, in an example, the video B is also usable to illuminate the fuel bed 104. The fuel 25 bed 104 may be designed such that light emitted by the electronic display device 201 when displaying video B illuminates the fuel bed 104 from the rear side of the fuel bed 104. The fuel bed 104 may be designed such that characteristics of the video B being shown are detectable within the illuminated fuel bed 104. 30 According to this illustrated example fireplace simulation mode, in addition to a visual component K showing imagery of flames, the video B comprises a visual component showing supplementary imagery of the fuel bed L, which takes the form of an extension 04 02 25 portion of the fuel bed 104. The fuel bed 104 and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed are visually complementary. A visual merging of the fuel bed 104 and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed shown in the fireplace simulation video B generates an optical illusion of enhanced depth, which produces an improved three-dimensional effect 5 As an effect of the optical illusion, a viewer perceives the flames shown in the video as emanating from within the fuel bed, and aspects of the fireplace assembly appear deeper than they physically are. 10 The fireplace assembly 101 has a depth direction D (extending between the front side F and the rear side R. thereof). The fuel bed 104 has a depth indicated by arrow 601, and the electronic display device 201 has a depth indicated by arrow 602. The depth 601 of the fuel bed 104 and the depth 602 of the electronic display device 201 together total a physical, combined depth indicated by arrow 603. 15 Advantageously, and based upon (i) the relative positioning of the fuel bed 104 and the electronic display device 201, and (ii) the inclusion in the video B of the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed L, a person viewing the fireplace assembly 101 during a fireplace simulation mode in which the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed L is shown on the 20 electronic display device 201 perceives the depth of the fireplace assembly 101 as being greater than the depth of the fuel bed 104, and greater than the physical, combined depth 603 of the fuel bed 104 and the electronic display device 201. The optical effect generated during the fireplace simulation results in the flames shown in the video B appearing as though they are emanating from a fuel bed that has portions both in front of and behind 25 the displayed flames. Thus, the described fireplace simulation mode creates a more realistic simulation. In an alternative example fireplace simulation mode, no light A is emitted to illuminate the fuel bed 104 and video B shown by the electronic display device 201 is of an unlit fuel bed 30 within a firebox. More specifically, the visual component K showing imagery of flames is not included in the video B; however, the video B comprises the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed L and the depth-perception enhancing effect described above is still achieved. 04 02 25 This fireplace simulation mode advantageously allows a user to select a standby option in which the electronic display device 201 is used to portray a firebox in which a fire is not lit (no illumination of the fuel bed, no flames). This may be aesthetically preferable to the electronic display device 201 being turned off, or otherwise presenting a viewer with a 5 blank or plain screen. The described standby option enhances the illusion of a real fireplace, albeit one in which a fire is not burning. It is to be appreciated that during such a fireplace simulation mode, the electronic display device may present a static image rather than a dynamic scene. 10 As illustrated in Figure 6 in this present example the liner arrangement 103 is also positioned up against the electronic display device 201. In examples, and as also illustrated in Figure 6, video B shown on the electronic display device 201 may comprise supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement M, this taking 15 the form of an extension portion of the liner arrangement 103. Advantageously, based upon (iii) the relative positioning of the liner arrangement 103 and the electronic display device 201, and (iv) the inclusion in the video B of the supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement M, a person viewing the fireplace assembly 101 during a 20 fireplace simulation mode in which the supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement M is shown on the electronic display device 201 perceives the depth of the fireplace assembly 101 as being greater than the depth of the liner arrangement 103, and greater than the physical, combined depth of the liner arrangement 103 and the electronic display device 201. 25 A visual component of the video showing supplementary imagery of a physical feature of the fireplace assembly may replicate any depth-perception enhancing aspects of that physical feature, for example tapering of the liner arrangement 103. 30 To further enhance the visual effect produced during a fireplace simulation mode, in particular a fireplace simulation mode simulating a lit fire, the fireplace assembly 101 may 04 02 25 provide for regions of the housing 102, or components supported by the housing 102, for example the liner arrangement 103 shown in Figure I, to also be illuminated. It is to be understood that a perceived depth, indicated by arrow 604, is generated that is 5 the sum of a first depth component that is the physical depth 603 of the fireplace assembly 101 and a second depth component which is provided by an illusory depth indicated by arrow 605. The illusion of increased fire box depth (perceived depth 604) is created by a visual merging 10 of (a) “real” aspects of the fireplace assembly that are physically present (and providing the physical depth 603) with (b) “virtual” aspects of the fireplace assembly as displayed on the electronic display device during a fireplace simulation mode (providing the illusory depth 605). The illusion provides an improved 3-dimensional effect, which results in an improvement in the authenticity of the simulation. 15 Thus, disclosed herein is a fireplace assembly embodying a principle of a physical portion of a fireplace assembly being superimposed on a non-physical portion of a fireplace assembly to create a visually integrated impression. 20 The optical illusion is beneficial for improving the aesthetic quality of a fireplace assembly of the type to which the present application relates and also for enabling a more slimline design of this type of fireplace assembly, which may require less material to manufacture and may result in the production of a fireplace assembly that is lighter and easier to transport and install. In addition to the cost and environmental advantages of a reduction 25 in at least the depth of the fireplace assembly, a more slimline design may allow the fireplace assembly to be used in locations where space is otherwise too limited for suitable installation. The illumination arrangement 105 may be configured to illuminate the fuel bed 104 in any 30 suitable way. 04 02 25 In a specific example, and referring now to Figure 7, the illumination arrangement comprises an array of light modules, for example light modules 701-715, each of which comprises at least one illumination device operable to emit light Any suitable number of light modules, each comprising any suitable type or types of illumination device, in any 5 suitable arrangement may be utilised. The light modules may be operated to emit light according to any suitable pattern. In a specific example, each of the light modules 701-715 comprises at least one LED and each of the light modules 701-715 is operable independently of the others. Each of the 10 light modules 701-715 is individually addressable and associated with a computer program 716, stored in memory 717, which includes a plurality of different functions, such as functions 718-726, each of which defines characteristics for light to be emitted, for example: colour, intensity, pulse duration. 15 Each of the different functions 718-726 is executable by each of the light modules 701-715 at random. During a fireplace simulation mode of the fireplace assembly that involves flame simulation, each of the light module 701-715 executes a randomly selected series of functions 718-726. The randomness of the illumination of the fuel bed by the illumination arrangement enhances the authenticity of the flame simulation. 20 In an alternative example, the illumination A of the fuel bed 104 is co-ordinated with the video B shown on the electronic display device 201. This may be achieved in different ways, including by any of the example ways described below. 25 Referring now to Figure 8, illumination profiles A-1, A-2 and A-3 correspond in time t to video frames B-l, B-2 and B-3. By way of simple example, the flames shown in video frame B-l are greater in size than the flames shown in video frame B-2, which are greater in size than the flames shown in video 30 frame B-3; correspondingly, the intensity of the light emitted in illumination profile A-1 is greater than the intensity of light emitted in illumination profile A-2, which is greater than the intensity of the light emitted in illumination profile A-3. Thus, as the video B plays and 04 02 25 the video frames B-l, then B-2, then B-3 are displayed, the flames are shown to reduce in size, and the intensity of the light A emitted to illuminate the fuel bed 102 reduces in harmony with the changing image on the electronic display device 203. 5 The co-ordination of the illumination A of the fuel bed 104 with the video B showing on the electronic display device 201 may accommodate various different visual changes that a person may expect to see when a viewing a fire, such as momentary flickering or the gradual growing or dying down of a fire. 10 One or more variable properties of light emitted to illuminate the fuel bed may be coordinated with a video being shown on the electronic display device at any instance. For example, both intensity and colour adjustments may be made for changes in the visual presentation. 15 In a specific example, the co-ordination of the illumination of the fuel bed with the video on the electronic display device is predetermined. An illumination program is created for a particular video sequence, in which the illumination (for example, involving the characteristics of brightness, colour, flicker) is calibrated to the images of the video sequence. When the fire simulation is initiated, the illumination program and video 20 sequence may be started from the same point (which may be the beginning or a marked point within the program) to ensure synchronisation between the two. The video B shown on the electronic display device 201 may include audio, which may be played through a speaker to provide a soundtrack for the simulated flames and which may, 25 for example, include sounds such as rustling, crackling, snapping, popping, hissing. Features of the fireplace assembly 101 will now be described with reference to Figure 9. It is to be appreciated however that features other than those contributing to the flame simulation are optional and may be omitted in other specific examples. 30 Fireplace assembly 101 comprises a communication device 901, which in this example is arranged to communicate with control arrangement 107. In this specific example, the 04 02 25 communication device 901 has the capability of one-way or two-way data communication with a wireless network. The communication device 901 may be arranged to communicate with any suitable wireless network, for example a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network, using any suitable communication protocol. A remote-control device 5 902 is shown, which is configured to communicate with the communication device 901 via a wireless communication connection. Wireless communication between the remotecontrol device 902 and the communication device 401 may for example be via an infrared (IR) connection, a Bluetooth TM connection, or an NFC (near field communication) connection. An electronic device 903 is shown, which is configured to communicate with 10 the communication device 901 via a wireless network 904. Wireless communication between the electronic device 903 and the communication device 901 may be made via a public network or dedicated wireless connection (for increased security). The electronic device 903 may be a smartphone with an app for controlling features of the fireplace assembly 101. A wireless connection between the communication device 901 and a device 15 for controlling features of the fireplace assembly 101 may be a direct or an indirect connection. It is to be appreciated that the fireplace assembly 101 may feature in-built controls, which may comprise any suitable user-operable device type, for example a button, a toggle switch, 20 a slider, a dial, a touchscreen, and may provide for a wired connection with a controller. Various features of the fireplace assembly 101 may be controllable by a user, which may allow a user to do one or more of: Power on / off the fireplace assembly 25 - Start / stop a fireplace simulation mode, which may or may not include illumination of the fuel bed and which may or may not involve flame simulation Select one of a plurality of videos available for display on the electronic display device (the video may be changed, for example, to match the fuel bed type) Adjust a characteristic of illumination (for example, maximum brightness level, 30 colour theme) 04 02 25 Select one of a plurality of soundtracks available for output by the audio output device (the soundtrack may be changed, for example, to match the displayable video) Adjust the volume level of audio output 5 - Operate the display arrangement (electronic display device) independently Operate the illumination arrangement (illumination device) independently Operate the heat generation arrangement independently Operate the audio output device independently Initiate system updates 10 The electronic display device may be usable as a television, or for otherwise playing videos or audio from a digital storage device, such as a DVD, CD or USB device, or from a streaming device or service. Similarly, the audio output device may be usable for playing audio from a digital storage device, such as a CD or USB device, or from a streaming device 15 or service. An optional aspect of fireplace assembly 101 will now be described with reference to Figure 10. 20 As shown, the illustrated fireplace assembly 101 has a heat output device 206 positioned behind the fret 112. In this specific example, the fireplace assembly 101 has a 16-inch (approximately 406.4 mm) fire opening. This fire opening size is a standard size; however, it is known for designs of 25 fireplaces having a 16-inch (approximately 406.4 mm) fire opening to include a heater positioned within a canopy along the top of the fireplace, with the canopy typically having a depth of 120-140 mm. As already stated, in the illustrated fireplace assembly 101 of Figure 10, the heat output 30 device 206 is positioned behind the fret I 12 rather than positioned within the canopy III. As a result of this design, the depth of the canopy I 11 can have a depth, indicated by arrow 1001, that is less than the typical depth, indicated by arrow 1002. In a specific example, the 04 02 25 canopy I I I has a depth 1001 of approximately 60 mm. Although reducing canopy depth is beneficial for increasing the viewable area of the fireplace assembly in general, the reduction in canopy depth that is achieved by locating the heat output device 206 of the illustrated fireplace assembly 101 not within the canopy I I I but behind the fret I 12 advantageously 5 increases the viewing area of the electronic display device 201. It is to be appreciated that the fireplace assembly 101 may have any size fire opening and a heat output device 206 positioned behind the fret 112. It is to be appreciated that a fireplace assembly as described herein may have one or more heat output devices, 10 positioned at any suitable place or places. Further, it is to be understood that the term “fret” as used herein in the description of Figure 10 in relation to the positioning of the heat output device is intended to encompass any element at the lower front of the fireplace, such as may be referred to in the relevant 15 field as “fret”, “front” or “frame”, and which may any degree of decorative purpose and functional purpose. The present application discloses a fireplace assembly having a fuel bed, in which during a fireplace simulation mode supplementary imagery of the fuel bed is shown behind the fuel 20 bed, the fuel bed and supplementary imagery of the fuel bed being visually complementary, whereby to generate a visual integration that creates an impression of enhanced depth and an improved three-dimensional effect As an effect of the optical illusion of enhanced depth generated by a visual merging of (a) “real” aspects of the fireplace assembly that are physically present and (b) “virtual” aspects of the fireplace assembly, a viewer perceives the 25 fireplace assembly to be deeper than it physically is. The supplementary imagery of the fuel bed may be displayed in a video shown on an electronic display device, that optionally also shows imagery of flames. As an effect of the optical illusion created, a viewer perceives the flames as emanating from within the fuel bed. 30 The video optionally shows supplementary imagery of a liner arrangement of the fireplace assembly. This can contribute both to the optical illusion of three-dimensional / depth enhancement and to the authenticity of the fireplace simulation. 5 The fuel bed may be illuminated during a fireplace simulation mode. Illumination of the fuel bed may be from one or both of: light emitted by an illumination arrangement of fireplace assembly and light emitted from the video shown on the electronic display device. 04 02 25 04 02 25

Claims

I. A fireplace assembly, comprising:a fuel bed,5 an illumination arrangement comprising an illumination device operable to emit light,the illumination arrangement controllable to illuminate the fuel bed,a heat generation arrangement controllable to output heat, anda display arrangement comprising an electronic display device operable to output a visual presentation, the display arrangement controllable to display a video on the electronic10 display device; whereinthe fuel bed is positioned up against the electronic display device,the fireplace assembly further comprises a control arrangement operable to initiate at least a simulation mode that is a fireplace simulation mode during which a fireplace simulation video is shown on the electronic display device, the fireplace simulation video15 showing supplementary imagery of the fuel bed, andthe fuel bed and supplementary imagery of the fuel bed are visually complementary, whereby an optical illusion of enhanced depth is generated from a visual merging of the fuel bed and the supplementary imagery of the fuel bed shown in the fireplace simulation video.20 2. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim I, wherein the heat generation arrangementis selectively operable independently of or with the fire simulation mode.

3. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the fireplace assembly comprises a fret, and the heat generation arrangement comprises a heat output device 25 located behind the fret.

4. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fireplace simulation video further shows imagery of flames.30 5. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein during the fireplacesimulation the fuel bed is illuminated by the illumination arrangement.04 02 256. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the light emitted by the illumination arrangement has at least one variable property, and said at least one variable property comprises one or both of: intensity, colour.5 7. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 6 when dependent upon claim 5, wherein atleast one variable property of light emitted by the illumination arrangement to illuminate the fuel bed is varied during the fireplace simulation.

8. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fuel bed has a 10 substantially planar rear face, the electronic display device has a substantially planar front face and the rear face of the fuel bed and the front face of the electronic display device are each oriented in the same generally vertical orientation.

9. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fuel bed 15 comprises at least one translucent replica fuel element.

10. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one translucent replica fuel element is one of: a replica log element, a replica coal element.20 I I. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination device comprises at least one LED light element.

12. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim I I, wherein the illumination device comprises at least one of: a white LED light element, an RGB LED light element, an RGBW light 25 element.

13. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic display device is an LCD screen.30 14. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a linerarrangement.04 02 2515. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the liner arrangement is positioned up against the electronic display device.

16. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the liner arrangement is tapered.

517. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the fireplace simulation video further shows supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement, and the liner arrangement and supplementary imagery of the liner arrangement are visually complementary.1018. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fireplace assembly has a 16-inch (approximately 406.4 mm) fire opening.

19. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an audio 15 output device controllable to output an audible sound.

20. A fireplace assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the audio output device is a speaker associated with the electronic display device.20 21. A fireplace assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fireplace assemblyis provided as a self-contained, mains powered unit.

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